How to connect the card to the phone Xiaomi: a full guide

Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones offer advanced communication features, but even after buying a new device, many people face basic issues of communication organization. Often the problem lies not in the absence of a signal, but in the wrong installation of a physical media or an error in the software settings of the network. The correct sequence of actions at the first launch ensures stable operation of mobile Internet and voice calls without unnecessary reboots.

Activation process SIM-cards in the apparatus of the Chinese brand has its own features associated with the design of trays and the logic of the shell MIUI Unlike some other manufacturers, it is important not to confuse slots if you plan to use two SIMs at the same time, or choose the right profile when working with virtual numbers. Ignoring installation standards can cause the phone to stop seeing the operator at all.

In this article, we will take a look at everything from extracting the tray with a paper clip to fine-tuning APN access points for high-speed internet, how to avoid common errors that lead to damage to contacts, and how to quickly activate roaming when traveling abroad. Attention to detail at the initial stage will save you time searching for reasons for the lack of communication in the future.

Preparation for installation and selection of slot

Before you start physically installing the communication module, you need to make sure that the device is turned off, although modern standards allow you to do it hot. It is recommended to still turn off the smartphone to avoid short circuits or software conflicts when reading data by the operator. Contact security is the number one priority, since damage to the gold pads on the card itself or inside the phone will require expensive repairs.

Owners of combined tray models should decide in advance which slot will be the main one. In most cases, the first slot (Slot 1) takes priority for 4G/5G data transfer unless automatic switching is selected in the settings. If you use a microSD card, remember that it often shares space with the second SIM card, making it impossible to use two numbers and flash memory at the same time.

Pay special attention to the size of the chip. Today, the de facto standard is the Nano-SIM format, which is the smallest in size. If your old card (Mini or Micro), it needs to be neatly broken down or replaced from the carrier. Frame adapters are not recommended, as they can get stuck inside the Xiaomi case.

⚠️ Warning: Never use force when installing a tray. If it doesn't come in easily, you're inserting it with the wrong side or you've confused the orientation of the card slice. Excessive pressure breaks the internal mechanisms of the reader.

Physical installation SIM-cardboard

To remove the tray, find a barely noticeable hole on the end of the device (usually at the bottom or side). There is always a special metal clip complete with the smartphone, but if it is not available, you can use a thin needle or pin point. Press strictly perpendicular to the body until the mechanism clicks and the tray is extended a few millimeters.

Put the plastic module that you've removed on a flat surface, and you place the map with the contacts down. Pay attention to the shape of the cutout: one of the corners of the card is bent, and this bevel should exactly match the shape of the depression in the tray. The orientation of the contacts is critical: the gold patches should look down to the contacts of the phone, not up.

After stacking, gently push the tray back into the case until the characteristic snap of the lock. Don't leave it sticking out even if the phone is already on, which violates the tightness and can damage the mechanism. Turn on the device and wait for the operator icons to appear at the top of the screen.

If you have two slots on your device and you only use one card, you better install it in the first slot, which will eliminate confusion in network settings, since the default system prioritizes the first slot. For two cards, the procedure is similar, just fill both slots in a plastic frame.

Set up network and priorities in MIUI

After the successful physical installation and switching on the phone, the system will automatically try to read the profile data. If this does not happen, or if the Internet does not work, you need to go to the settings menu. → SIM-Maps and mobile networks. This is all the operators that we've found.

In this section, you can specify your preferred network type. For maximum speed, choose Preferably 4G (LTE) or 5G mode if your tariff and carrier coverage support this. Switching to 3G Only or 2G mode only makes sense in very poor reception areas where LTE signal is constantly lost.

Special attention should be paid to the function of "Assistant for the SIM-In Redmi and Xiaomi smartphones, it allows you to manage use cases flexibly, for example, you can configure the system so that video calls via instant messengers always use Wi-Fi or a specific SIM card with a large packet of traffic, ignoring the second one.

Manual configuration of APN access points

There are situations where there is a 4G signal, an H+ or LTE icon is on, but the pages in the browser are not loading. This is a classic sign of the absence or incorrect configuration of APN access points. Communication operators usually send these settings automatically in the form of SMS, but sometimes they have to manually prescribe them.

To enter the settings menu, go along the way: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → (Choose. SIM) → Access points (APN). In the list that opens, click the “New Access Point” button or icon «+». Here you need to enter the data that your operator provides (usually this is the name of the point and the address). APN).

Name: MTS Internet


APN: internet.mts.ru




Type of authentication: PAP or CHAP




Type APN: default,supl

Once you have entered all the settings, be sure to click the menu (three dots in the corner) and select Save. Then go back to the previous window and activate the created point by placing a marker next to it. Without saving, the changes will not take effect, and the Internet will not appear.

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Save a screenshot of the APN settings before resetting your phone, which will allow you to quickly restore internet access after reinstalling the system without looking for options online again.

If automatic settings don't come in, the exact settings for your region and operator can be found on the service provider's official website.One-letter errors in the APN field often result in the connection simply not being established, so be careful when entering.

Working with eSIM and virtual profiles

Xiaomi’s current flagship models are increasingly equipped with eSIM technology, which allows you to activate a number without a physical plastic card, which is convenient for travelers and those who want to have multiple rooms, but do not want to carry trays. Connection is carried out through scanning QR-code provided by the operator.

To add eSIM, go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Add eSIM. The camera will open to read the code. The process takes a few minutes and requires a stable Wi-Fi connection.

⚠️ Note: When you reset your smartphone to a factory setting (Hard Reset), eSIM profiles may be deleted. Before the procedure, make sure you have a backup copy. QR-code or the ability to get a new one from the operator, otherwise you will be left without communication.

Virtual profiles are managed in the same menu as regular SIM cards, and you can rename them (e.g., Work, Travel), assign color indicators, and set traffic rules. The technology is completely secure and does not affect the speed of the smartphone.

Diagnosing problems and lack of networking

If after all the manipulations, the phone says "No network" or "Emergency calls only," try a basic diagnostic. First, check if the flight mode is on. Then remove the SIM card, wipe the contacts with soft dry cloth and insert back in, often oxidation or dust prevent contact.

In complex cases, resetting your network settings helps, and this action will not delete your personal files, photos or contacts, but will return all network settings to factory values. → Connection and sharing → Resetting Wi-Fi, Cellular Networks and Bluetooth.

• 📶 Check if the service is active (no debt or blocking).
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone after each change in network settings.
• 📍 Make sure you are in a confident signal reception zone.
• 🔒 Check if there is a ban on incoming/outgoing settings SIM.

If nothing works, it may be the hardware that's the problem: the communication module itself or the antenna is damaged, and in that case, especially if the phone is falling or in contact with water, you need to have a diagnostic at the service center, and the software methods will be powerless.

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If the SIM card is not detected in any slot, try installing it in another phone, and if it doesn't work there, the problem is in the card (you need a replacement from the operator), if it works, the problem is in the smartphone.